Let’s face it – there’s nothing more confronting than looking in the mirror and staring at a toothless smile, especially when it’s your front teeth. But aesthetics aside, your front teeth are so much more important than most people realize.
Not only do they define your smile and overall appearance, but your front teeth help you eat and speak correctly. Without them, you might feel embarrassed or insecure as they form such a pivotal part of your smile and identity.
If you’re considering partial dentures for front teeth, here’s what you need to know.
Why Are Partial Dentures Preferable?
If you can save or preserve as many of your natural teeth as possible, this is always the preferred option. Any respectable dentist will agree with this. This is why partial dentures are always the first option if you have good-quality adjoining teeth.
Your remaining natural teeth need to be intact to support partial dentures. They need to provide strength and stability to keep the dentures in place and to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible.
Before you’re fitted with partial dentures, your dentist will do a thorough assessment of your natural teeth to assess whether they’re up to the task of supporting partial dentures.
Denture Options to Consider
There are several different types of partial dentures to choose from, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each before making your decision. Let’s take a closer look:
Metal Partial Dentures
Comprised of chrome cobalt, this is one of the most sought-after, long-lasting denture options on the market today. Some of the pros include durability, they’re lightweight in the mouth and can last up to 20 years.
Bear in mind that they are the most expensive option. They are only suitable for those with healthy, natural teeth, too.
Acrylic Partial Dentures
Acrylic partial dentures come in second place thanks to their durability, with a lifespan of five to seven years. They are easy to add to (if you lose more natural teeth) and repair, if needed.
Some of the drawbacks include a thicker material which means they might not sit as comfortably in the mouth. They also come with a full acrylic palate that fits to the roof of the mouth which can affect your enjoyment of eating.
Flexible Partial Dentures
These thermoplastic partial dentures are some of the most affordable, but also some of the toughest on the market, being virtually unbreakable.
The major drawback with thermoplastic is that it’s a little limited in how many teeth you can replace (generally only one to six teeth). This means they’re not always a suitable option for everyone.
What to Consider When Choosing Partial Dentures
Before you set your mind on a denture option, here are some of the top considerations to think about:
The Cost
This is probably the most important influencing factor when it comes to choosing partial dentures. Remember that the cheapest option doesn’t always equate to the best economical decision in the long run. But understandably, not everyone can afford the most expensive option to fill front teeth gaps – sometimes it’s just about finding an immediate solution.
Do your research and get more than one quote from the local dentist offices in your area, if you can. Keep in mind that many dentists will offer free consultations, which is a great way for you to get a clear idea of estimated costs. Take advantage of these no-obligation consults!
You can also ask your local dentist if they offer interest-free payment plans. The cost of dentures varies, but it depends on the type of material you choose and how many teeth you need replaced. On average, you could pay between $500 and $2,500 per set of partial dentures.
The Procedure
Depending on how many teeth you need replacing, the procedure for partial dentures varies from one person to the next. The same goes for the amount of pain or discomfort you feel as this is a very subjective experience. But it’s worth noting that most partial denture procedures come with some level of discomfort.
So, what’s the painful part? Most of the time this happens if you need teeth removed (which dentists do their best to avoid). The molding or fitment phase of the dentures is also uncomfortable for some.
There is also an adaption phase which some people find uncomfortable, i.e. getting used to the dentures in your mouth. Your oral tissue might feel sensitive for a few weeks as your mouth gets used to the denture placement. The procedure for partial dentures is usually three to six weeks, from start to finish.
Appearance and Functionality
Replacing your front teeth is a big deal. Naturally, you want your partial dentures to be as close a match to your original teeth as possible. The good news is that even the lower end-of-the-scale dentures provide satisfactory results.
But the more you spend on your partial dentures, the more natural they’ll look. Another important consideration is how they function. You want them to sit comfortably in your mouth, to feel stable, and natural. Their functionality also relates to how easy they are to maintain.
The more robust the material of your dentures, the better they will function.
Maintenance and Longevity
Partial dentures are easily removable. This means that there is a chance that food particles will get caught in between your dentures and mouth tissue/teeth.
It’s important to clean and maintain your dentures regularly. Depending on the type of dentures you opt for, some might need more cleaning than others. As a general rule of thumb, you need to remove and brush your dentures twice a day and soak them overnight.
As mentioned, the type of material you opt for will determine the longevity of your dentures. For metal dentures, you might only need to replace them after 15 to 20 years. For acrylic dentures, five to seven years, and for flexible dentures, two to five years.
Looking for Partial Dentures for Front Teeth?
At Garden Springs Dental, we offer an expert team of dentists and supporting staff dedicated to transforming your smile. Whether you’re looking for partial dentures for front teeth, a tooth crown, or teeth whitening, we are your local go-to in the Lexington area.
Reach out to our team today for all of your general or specific dentistry needs!
